Farming Tree Runs in Old School RuneScape A Complete Guide

Farming Tree Runs in Old School RuneScape A Complete Guide

Farming in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique skill that rewards patience and efficiency. Among the various training methods, tree runs stand out as the most effective way to gain Farming experience quickly. This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about farming tree runs in OSRS, from preparation to execution, to help you level up your Farming skill efficiently while optimizing your gameplay.

Tree runs are the cornerstone of Farming training in OSRS due to their high experience rates and passive nature. Unlike active methods like herb runs or Tithe Farm, tree runs require only a few minutes of effort per run, allowing you to gain massive experience while spending minimal time actively skilling. According to the OSRS Wiki, a single tree run can yield up to 215,761.3 Farming experience in just over five minutes, translating to an effective rate of around 2.4 million experience per hour if extrapolated to active time spent. This makes tree runs the fastest way to reach level 99 Farming, typically taking 3–4 months with consistent runs.

Passive Experience with High Efficiency

Tree runs are a recurring training method, meaning you plant saplings, wait for them to grow (often hours or days), and then check their health for experience. This passive growth allows you to focus on other activities, such as questing, combat, or money-making, while your trees mature. The key is consistency—doing one or two runs daily maximizes your experience over time.

Cost vs. Reward

While tree runs can be expensive, especially at higher levels with costly saplings like magic or dragonfruit trees, the experience gained far outweighs the cost for players aiming for level 99. For budget-conscious players, cheaper options like willow or papaya trees can still provide decent experience at a lower cost.

Preparation for Tree Runs

Complete Tree Farming Guide for OSRS Tree Run Guide

Before embarking on your tree run journey, proper preparation is essential to streamline the process and maximize efficiency. Here’s what you need to get started:

Required Items

  • Rake: Used to clear weeds from patches.
  • Spade: Necessary for planting saplings and digging up stumps.
  • Seed Dibber: Required for planting seeds in plant pots to create saplings.
  • Watering Can: Used to water seeds in plant pots to grow saplings.
  • Saplings: Purchase or grow the highest-tier tree and fruit tree saplings you can plant based on your Farming level.
  • Protection Payments: Pay gardeners with specific produce (e.g., coconuts for magic trees) to protect trees from disease.
  • Ultracompost: Reduces disease risk and increases yield if you’re not paying for protection.
  • Teleportation Methods: Items like spirit tree seeds, Ardougne cloak, or skills necklaces for quick travel.

Recommended Quests for Efficiency

Completing certain quests unlocks faster travel options and additional patches, making your tree runs more efficient:

Teleportation Setup

Efficient travel is critical for tree runs, as patches are scattered across Gielinor. Here’s a quick guide to the best teleportation methods for key tree patches:

Patch Location Teleport Method
West of Lumbridge Castle Lumbridge Teleport
Varrock Palace Varrock Teleport, Spirit Tree (Grand Exchange)
Falador Park Falador Teleport, Ring of Wealth
Tree Gnome Stronghold Spirit Tree, Grand Seed Pod
Farming Guild Skills Necklace, Spirit Tree (requires 85 Farming)
Brimhaven (Fruit Tree) Teleport to House (if in Brimhaven), Spirit Tree in Brimhaven

Types of Trees and Patches

Complete Tree Farming Guide for OSRS Tree Run Guide

OSRS features several types of trees and patches, each with specific level requirements and experience rewards. Understanding these options helps you plan your runs based on your Farming level and budget.

Regular Tree Patches

Regular trees are available from level 15 and provide substantial experience. There are six patches across Gielinor:

Example: Planting six magic trees (level 75) with protection payments yields 83,373 experience per run.

Fruit Tree Patches

Fruit trees, unlocked at level 27, take 16 hours to grow and are limited to one run per day. There are six patches:

Example: Six dragonfruit trees (level 81) yield 104,160 experience per run.

Special Tree Patches

Special trees like calquat, celastrus, and redwood offer additional experience and are unlocked at higher levels:

  • Calquat (Level 72): Located in Tai Bwo Wannai, yields 12,096 experience per check.
  • Celastrus (Level 85): Farming Guild, provides 14,130 experience.
  • Redwood (Level 90): Farming Guild, offers 22,450 experience but takes five days to grow.
  • Hardwood (Level 35): Three patches on Fossil Island and one in Varlamore, ideal for teak or mahogany.

Executing an Efficient Tree Run

A well-executed tree run takes about 5–6 minutes and involves visiting all accessible patches in an optimized order. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Prepare Inventory: Gather saplings, protection payments, ultracompost, rake, spade, and teleport items.
  2. Start at Farming Guild (if level 85+): Plant celastrus, redwood, and fruit trees, then use the spirit tree.
  3. Visit Regular Tree Patches: Follow this order for efficiency: Farming Guild → Tree Gnome Stronghold → Falador → Varrock → Lumbridge → Taverley.
  4. Fruit Tree Route: Farming Guild → Gnome Stronghold → Catherby → Tree Gnome Maze → Lletya → Brimhaven (add calquat in Tai Bwo Wannai).
  5. Hardwood Patches: If accessible, visit Fossil Island (Digsite Pendant) and Varlamore (Fairy Ring AJP).
  6. Check Health and Replant: At each patch, check the tree’s health for experience, chop it down (or pay 200 coins for the gardener to remove), and replant with ultracompost or protection payment.
  7. Note Produce: Use harvested crops on the Tool Leprechaun to note them, saving inventory space.

Tips for Speed

  • Use Spirit Trees: The spirit tree network is the fastest way to travel between Gnome Stronghold, Farming Guild, and other hubs.
  • Pre-Grow Saplings: Grow saplings in advance using the Humidify spell (requires 68 Magic) to save time.
  • Wear Farmer’s Outfit: Provides a 2.5% experience boost.
  • Elite Falador Diary: Makes the Falador Park tree patch disease-free, saving on protection costs.

Cost Management and Profit Tips

Tree runs can be costly, but there are ways to offset expenses and even turn a profit.

Budget-Friendly Trees

For players with limited gold, focus on these affordable options:

  • Willow Trees (Level 30): Seeds cost ~50 GP, payment is 1 basket of apples (~500 GP).
  • Papaya Trees (Level 57): Seeds cost ~500 GP, payment is 10 pineapples (~1,000 GP), and harvested papayas can break even or profit.
  • Calquat Trees (Level 72): Seeds cost ~200 GP, payment is 8 poison ivy berries (~1,000 GP), yielding 12,096 experience.

Supplement with Herb Runs

Herb runs, which take 80 minutes to grow, can generate 300,000+ GP per run with high-level herbs like ranarr or snapdragon. Use the profits to fund tree runs. Always use ultracompost and magic secateurs to maximize herb yield and reduce disease risk.

Profit from Harvests

Some trees, like palm trees (level 68), yield coconuts that can sell for 50,000–70,000 GP per run, offsetting costs. Check Grand Exchange prices regularly to decide which trees to plant for profit.

By mastering tree runs, you can efficiently reach level 99 Farming in OSRS while balancing costs and rewards. Start with budget-friendly trees, optimize your teleportation routes, and supplement with herb runs to make your Farming journey both effective and profitable. Happy farming!